BurundiOVERVIEW In 2005, Burundi completed the transition mandated by the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords with five rounds of national elections that were praised by the international community. In 2010, Burundi faces the dual challenges of consolidating these fragile democratic gains through another round of free and fair elections as well as the ongoing struggle to deliver the peace dividend so eagerly awaited after a decade of civil war. Significant USAID assistance and engagement with the Government of Burundi and civil society stakeholders remain absolutely vital to rebuilding the country’s economy, accelerating social service delivery, consolidating peace and security, and advancing the democratization process. PROGRAMSGOVERNING JUSTLY AND DEMOCRATICALLYUSAID helps the Government of Burundi improve public administration services through policy reform, including regulations pertaining to the national water management system and land tenure. In an effort to fight corruption, USAID promotes increased transparency and accountability for government and nongovernmental institutions. USAID activities work to improve civic participation and the capacity of civil society organizations to act as agents for key reforms and bolster the effectiveness of participation and advocacy in democratic decision-making processes. USAID programs encourage Burundians to debate public priorities, voice and win support for alternative solutions, and provide input into decisions that affect their lives. USAID-supported programs also monitor political platforms for signs of corruption and work to improve media freedom and freedom of information. Through women’s leadership initiatives, USAID facilitates broader participation by women in democratic process. USAID is supporting the 2010 election process through a robust program focusing on civic education, voter registration, conflict mitigation, and technical assistance to the election commission. USAID is also helping to coordinate international support to field election observers. INVESTING IN PEOPLE: HEALTHThe lack of adequate health infrastructure resulting from years of conflict makes support to the health sector a continuing priority. USAID maternal and child health initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive care through improved services and systems. USAID programs reduce disease and death among mothers and children by providing reproductive health services, access to high-quality, voluntary family planning services, and health care for pregnant women and children. Additionally, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs in the highly transient northeastern provinces continue to combat some of the highest prevalence rates in the region. In 2010, USAID launched two major health programs. A comprehensive malaria prevention and treatment program will bolster the Government’s National Malaria Program by building local capacity to combat malaria, helping to integrate health systems, and targeting prevention efforts at the most vulnerable people. A child nutrition program will provide nutrition supplements to infants and to pregnant and lactating women to stave off malnutrition before it begins. ECONOMIC GROWTHWith 90 percent of Burundians depending on it for their livelihood, agriculture is the backbone of Burundi’s economy. USAID programs Concentrate on agribusiness and are designed to raise rural incomes, diversify economic opportunity, and identify and strengthen competitive, commodity-based value chains that link producers to domestic, regional, and international markets. Activities include investments in the financial services sector that increase access to commercial credit and microcredit, particularly in agriculture. USAID also provides development-oriented food assistance in addition to emergency food aid, helping to improve Burundi’s agricultural resource base by focusing on production and soil conservation practices and enhanced health and nutrition interventions for the most vulnerable households. In 2010 USAID will open a “business incubator” to help meet the need for training and services for business start-ups. USAID has had significant success in helping the World Bank negotiate major reforms in commercializing Burundi’s largest foreign exchange earner—specialty coffee. Major U.S. and European buyers are now purchasing premium coffee directly from the producers supported by USAID for the first time in Burundi’s history. Not only were buyers offered an expedited purchase process but the farmers were paid directly and immediately with incentive premiums included for choice beans. Prior to this important direct purchase reform, farmers had to wait six months or more to be paid for their production. Back to Top ^
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